The arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood sometimes clog with plaque, a fatty substance produced by the body. These obstructions can cut off circulation to the heart and cause a heart attack.

One approach for restoring blood flow to the heart is a procedure called a coronary angioplasty. Essentially, this procedure involves compressing the fatty build-up against the artery wall so blood can better reach the heart muscle.

A coronary angioplasty is an invasive procedure in which a catheter with a tiny balloon is guided through a vein or artery, usually in the leg, to the blockage. The cardiologist gently inflates the balloon. As the balloon expands, it compresses the plaque against the artery wall and enlarges the opening. The balloon is then deflated and the catheter removed. The widening of the artery allows for increased blood flow to regions of the heart served by the blood vessel.